Fair Chance Blog Series: What is Fair Chance Hiring?
This post kicks off our Fair Chance blog series; a collection of stories, information, and practical examples about what it means to build a more honest, effective, and humane hiring system here in Cincinnati and Hamilton County. “Fair Chance” or “justice-impacted” individuals are those whose lives have intersected with the criminal legal system, whether through arrest, conviction, or incarceration.
Happy New Year and Southwest Ohio WINs
New Team Member | Partner Feature: Adopt a Class | Featured Event: Gen Z at Work | Healthcare in a Day | Employer Tours
Lt. Governor Tressel Makes First Stop of WorkOhio Kickoff Tour in Cincinnati
(CINCINNATI, Ohio)—Ohio Lt. Governor Jim Tressel traveled to Cincinnati today for the first stop of his statewide WorkOhio Kickoff Tour.
WorkOhio is a new initiative to connect Ohioans with in-demand jobs in their area through personalized support from teams of regional job experts. The program was announced by Lt. Governor Tressel last week.
Great Oaks Career Campuses: How Ohio’s Career-Technical Education Creates Job Ready Talent
The American workforce is filled with STARs. That is, the workforce is filled with individuals who are Skilled Through Alternative Routes—those whose career path didn’t include a bachelor’s degree. Public CTE districts like Great Oaks are designed to give students the opportunity to receive advanced training and earn professional certifications at no cost to be ready for their chosen career the day they graduate from high school.
From Resolutions to Results in 2026
Gen Z at Work: Building the Future Workplace | Employer Tours | Connect With Our Partners | From the Blog – The Cincinnati State Experience & The Competitive Advantage of Hiring People with Diverse Abilities
Employer Tours: Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project
The Brent Spence Bridge project is expected to generate 700-800 union jobs, as well as additional professional and subcontracted roles. With major hiring beginning in 2026 and early 2027, the project is expected to total roughly 6 million work hours and require a skilled, job-ready labor force across various trades.
The Competitive Advantage of Hiring People With Diverse Abilities and Neurodivergent Talent
In today’s competitive marketplace, employers are seeking every edge they can find to attract, retain, and engage top talent. One of the most overlooked opportunities lies in hiring individuals with diverse abilities and those who are neurodivergent.
Finding Your Place: The Cincinnati State Experience
When people think of community colleges, they often envision a stepping stone, a brief stop on the way to something bigger. However, at Cincinnati State Technical and Community College, we believe our institution is more than a mere waypoint; it is a thriving community where students not only lay the groundwork for their careers but also find a sense of belonging that extends beyond the classroom and into the workplace.
A Region of Resources
Fifth Third Leadership Symposium | Employer Tours – Get Caught Up | From the Blog – Beacon of Hope Business Alliance & Skills First Hiring | Partner Spotlight – The Community Builders | Workforce Innovation Center – At a Glance
Skills-Based Practices: Building a Talent Pipeline for the Future
Skills-based practices, also called skills-first practices, flips the script. Instead of asking “What degree do you have?” it asks, “What can you do?” It’s a simple but transformative idea: if someone has the skills, they should have the opportunity.
Employer Tours: Jostin Construction & Brewster Pumping
On October 10, 2025, the Workforce Innovation Center and our workforce partners had the pleasure of participating in an Employer Tour hosted by Jostin Construction and Brewster Pumping. Attendees were treated to a fantastic experience that included an interactive tour of the companies’ shared shop operation in Bond Hill, a catered lunch and boardroom presentation at Jostin HQ in Walnut Hills, and a construction tour of the new Cincinnati Convention Center in downtown Cincinnati.
The Power of Work, The Promise of Hope: The Beacon of Hope Business Alliance
Every neighborhood has potential waiting to be unlocked. Every person has strengths that can fuel growth, dignity, and belonging. At the Beacon of Hope Business Alliance, we believe that work is one of the greatest tools we have to restore opportunity and transform lives.
